Saturday, June 18, 2011

Portland’s Jewish community expanding

It is unclear at times why certain items get "news" play. This Portland Tribune story about the Jewish community expanding in number although not in religious participation is applicable to many religions not just the Jews. Is the news interest merely because Jews are a minority? Of course it is easy to categorize people into some minority category.

While some in the Jewish community lament the non-participation by this expanding community in religious activities - others can find hope from what Bill Toll, a University of Oregon history professor, said: “Younger Jews don’t identify with (Jewish) denominations.” “They’re not raised in an ethnically divided world.” [Insert your own denomination.]

I would say that is a great plus. One shouldn't be categorized by religious beliefs. Ethnic divisions do nothing more than divide.